Candida albicansis one of the human pathogens with highest prevalence
around the globe. The current research aimed at investigating the prevalence of
Vaginal Candidiasis is among women of
child bearing age presenting with vaginal itching and discharge. A total of
Four hundred and eleven (411) consecutive, consenting women of child bearing
age attending the gynaecology clinic at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Kaduna
with complaint of vaginal discharge and or itching formed the study population.
With the help of Swabs,the specimens were collected carefully and aseptically
after parting the labia of the vagina. The pathogens were identified by direct
microscopic examination and subsequent gram’s staining of cultured high vaginal
swabs from the study subjects. All procedures for the test were based on the
recommendations of the manufacturer. The results were analysed using SPSS
version 18 software. Out of total of Four hundred and eleven (411) subjects who
participated in this study, two hundred and seventy one 271 (66%) were positive
while 140 (34%) were negative. In conclusion, the prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis among the women of
child bearing age presenting with vaginal itching and discharge was high
(66%),therefore empirical treatment for all symptomatic women using
topical/vaginal antifungals is recommended.

Wira,
C. R., J. Richardson, and Prabhala R. (1994). Endocrine regulation of mucosal
immunity: effect of sex hormones and cytokines on the afferent and efferent
arms of the immune system in the female reproductive tract, p. 705–718.